About us

Just a one-hour flight north of Vancouver and Whistler, Bear Camp offers the Chilcotin region’s most hospitable and unique accommodation experience.

Situated at the north end of Chilko Lake and the headwaters of the Chilko River, the waterfront camp is comprised of 8 deluxe safari-tents built on top of wildlife viewing platforms at the water’s edge. Meals are served in a renovated 1954 trappers cabin overlooking the river.

Once you get to Bear-Camp you’ll be dearly spoiled. From morning coffee service on your waterfront deck to outstanding food served in a renovated 1954 trappers cabin. However, the main reason to come here is for the wildlife viewing and outstanding activities. Hike, kayak, bike, ride, boat, fish…the options will seem endless.

There’s many ways to get to Bear Camp but most guests take advantage of our flight packages. You do not need to decide this now but you will need to make a deposit to ensure we have space for you – no matter how you decide to get here!

About the
Venue and Teachers

Why Roam?ROAM sets the industry standard for high quality service and excellence. Since 1986 we have led our guests to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, never losing sight of one of our foremost goals: to make the joys of the wilderness and adventure accessible to everyone – no matter how experienced.The ROAM AdvantageAll Play and No Work. (Unless you really want to.)Right from the start, R.O.A.M. does the tough stuff – leaving you the glory of discovery, without the grunt. Based on your input, we will help you choose a personally-suited expedition or safari. From there on, we do the planning, the cooking, the loading and detailing. Kick back and soak it all in. But if you yearn for a recollection of the rugged, rough and tumble – try our exploratory routes.Safe and SoundYou can’t promise reliability and responsibility if you haven’t got the experience to back that promise up. R.O.A.M. has it. We’ve been running trips down some of the West’s biggest rivers since the 80’s and have many first descents to our credit. More importantly, our safety record is exemplary. That gives you the freedom to rest assured, whether you take it to the limit, or lay back and lounge. Guaranteed.Just Do It… AllOur trips offer adventurous pursuits of all modes and methods – not just paddling. Sure, we raft, kayak and SUP some of the world’s greatest waters – but we also fish, ride, mountain bike, hike, walk, trek and teach.The Most Famous Journey of All? Yours.A R.O.A.M. vacation is your vacation. You’re a member of the crew, a guest, a student and a friend. Our aim is to ensure that your questions, interests and requests are answered and satisfied. That’s why our guest-to-guide ratio is the lowest in the business and why more than 70 percent of our guests have travelled with us three times or more!Tent or Temple?Some like it wild and wet. Others like it calm and quaint. Others like is funky or fancy. Just like our vast selection of itineraries, R.O.A.M. accommodations come in every style, size and shape. Sleep under the stars, tent on a sandy riverbank, live it up in a safari tent, cozy up in a log lodge or get glamorous in a five-star guest ranch or a boutique hotel. Any way, they’ll be nights to remember.We Take Care of EverythingExpert Guides, top-notch gear, charter flights – it’s all included. Our gear is always the best on the market. Because we develop and operate these trips ourselves, you can count on our researchers, planners and guides to get everything right.

Ashley Scanlan joined ROAM in 2007 and after working her away around the globe as a river guide and wrangler, she finally decided to call the Chilko home. Formally trained in Adventure Tourism Business Operations and as a Wildlife/Environmental technician, Ashley partnered with Brian in 2010 and Bear Camp was born! She is best known at ROAM for her infectious enthusiasm and kind-hearted approach to just about everything.

ROAM founder, Brian McCutcheon, has worked as an international guide since the early eighties. With experience ranging from first descents, golf pro, movie stunt man, product manager, ski instructor, marketing director to college instructor, Brian has a keen attention to detail and will ensure your trip is unique and great fun. Guests have been quoted saying, “Brian treats you like a sibling from the moment you arrive for a trip – and that comes with all the caring (and joking) along with it”.

Thank you!

Why Retreat?

We asked people why they go on retreat, here's what they said:

Watching the sun come over the mountain in the morning inspires me!
Holly

Retreat Guru's Vision

We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.